Using a variety of research methods, communication scholars, sociologists, psychologists, and anthropologists have reached
a similar conclusion about humankind: we are social creatures. We need to establish meaningful relationships with others.
We need to associate with others in groups. We are reared in family groups. We are educated in groups. We worship in
groups. We are entertained in groups. We work in groups. When an important problem arises, we seek others' advice and meet
with problem-solving and decision-making groups in order to help find answers to important issues.

The main purpose of this course is to help you become a better communicator in the context of a small group.
The objective is to give you both a broad understanding of group communication processes and practical advice to help
you become a more effective small group participant. The course will primarily deal with task-oriented small
groups – groups with a specific objective to achieve, information to share, a problem to solve, or a decision to make.

The course is divided into two parts. Part One will examine the theoretical concepts from the readings using a
combination of lectures and in-class activities. Part Two consists of a major project in which students' are
allocated to small groups in order to solve a problem set by the instructor. The purpose of the project is to
provide a "real" and common communication experience which will provide the basis for critical reflection and
analysis using the concepts discussed in the first half of the course. The activities for the course are as follows:

Part One

Midterm Examination: A take-home essay-exam which will evaluate the student's understanding of key concepts
by requiring them to discuss and apply these concepts to a case study in small group communication.

Lost on the Moon: Comparing group versus individual performance on a problem solving task.

The Sales Manager's Journey: Analysis of a small group problem solving exercise.

My Group, My Culture: An analysis of the group culture experienced in this classroom setting.

Part Two

Communication Logs: Journals describing the students' communication experiences while participating
in the Group Project.

Group Presentation: An oral presentation of 10-15 minutes; the culmination of the Group Project.

Analysis of the Group Experience: Using the information collected in the Communication Logs,
students' conduct an analysis of the experience of working in a problem solving group using key concepts
described in the first half of the course.

Final Examination: A multiple choice examination evaluating students knowledge of pertinent concepts and
vocabulary used in small group communication research.

Radford, G. P., Morganstern, B. F., McMickle, C. W., and Lehr, J. K. (1994). The impact of four conferencing
formats on the efficiency and quality of small group decision making in a laboratory experiment setting.
Telematics and Informatics, 11(2), 97-109.

All written work should have a separate title page with the title of the paper, your name, the name of this
class, the name of your professor, and the date the assignment is due by. There are no exceptions to these
requirements. Handwritten reports, outlines, things ripped out of notebooks, and work without title pages,
however neat they might be, are NOT acceptable and points will be deducted accordingly. Always keep a photocopy
of all assignments that you turn in. If an assignment is lost, regardless of fault, it will be your responsibility
to provide a second copy.

All written work should be turned in on the date of the deadline contained on the syllabus, not before.
Any assignment turned in after the deadline will be assigned a D grade, regardless of its quality
(except if it merits a failing grade).

Written work will NOT be accepted via email under any circumstances.

Evaluation of Group Work

Midway through the semester, each member of the class will be randomly assigned to a small-group with the
task of completing a group project. This group will remain intact for the remainder of the semester.
The outcome and successful completion of the group project will be the responsibility of the entire group.
Group work will be evaluated on the following basis: (a) all group members will receive the same grade for the
group presentation and all materials used as part of that presentation, (b) each group member will receive
individual grades for the communication logs and the group experiences paper in which students reflect on and
analyze the communication experience of working in a group.

Attendance and Class Participation

The very nature of this course, with its emphasis on "skills development," requires students' participation and
attendance. More than three absences limit students' possibilities for practical experience with talked about
concepts and skill development. Missed class exercises are impossible to make up. Each person has a responsibility as
a participant and as a group member to contribute to the learning experience and without your presence this
responsibility cannot be met.

Student Responsibilities and Extra Credit

Classes will begin on time and students are expected to be punctual. Reading assignments, including
textbook and supplemental readings, are considered required. The ability to apply these materials to written
assignments comprise a significant component of the grades awarded. Due to the nature of the class, in-class
activities, presentations, and discussions missed cannot be made up. Extra credit does not exist. If you must
be absent from this class, it is your responsibility to notify the professor in advance (if possible).

Plagiarism

Any evidence of plagiarism, the appropriation or imitation of the language, thoughts, or methods of another
and representation of them as one's own original work, will automatically result in an F grade for the assignment
and possibly an F grade for the course. All sources referred to should be properly cited. You are encouraged to
read the Fairleigh Dickinson University policy on academic integrity.

Student Agreement

Attendance at this class signifies that the student has agreed to abide by and adhere to the policies and
regulations specified above. It is understood that the instructor may adapt or change this syllabus and the
assignments contained within it according to circumstances that may arise during the course of the class.

SYLLABUS

1

Welcome to the class!

2

Understanding Small Groups
Read: Samovar, Henman, and King, Small Group Process

3

Affective Structures in Small Groups
Read: Fraser, Small Groups, Structure and Leadership

4

Communication Structures in Small Groups
Read: Fraser, Small Groups, Structure and Leadership

5

Individual vs Small Group Performance
Read: Maier, Assets and Liabilities in Group Problem Solving

6

Lost on the Moon: Comparing Individual and Group Performance

7

Group Performance and Technology
Read: Radford, Morganstern, McMickle, and Lehr, The Impact of Four Conferencing Formats on the Efficiency
and Quality of Small Group Decision Making in a Laboratory Experiment Setting

8

Social Influence
Read: Haney, Banks, and Zimbardo, A Study of Prisoners and Guards in a Simulated Prison
Video: The Power of the Situation

9

Power in Small Groups: Making Sense of Zimbardo
Read: Fraser, Small Groups, Structure and Leadership

10

Power in Small Groups: Cool Hand Luke I

11

Power in Small Groups: Cool Hand Luke II

12

Obedience to Authority
Read: Milgram, The Perils of ObedienceLost on the Moon Paper Due